The founding of Asunción

The founding of Asunción

Every year in Paraguay the 15th August is one of the countries largest and most important national holidays. It marks the anniversary of the founding of Asunción. On the 15th August 1537 Juan de Salazar y Espinosa would have been quite unaware that the settlement he...

The Paraguayan flag

The flag of Paraguay as any school child in the land will tell you is red, white and blue. Beyond that though it is also unique in the world in that it is different on both sides and is also one of the oldest. The design of the flag with it’s three horizontal...

Always another sunset in the Paraguayan countryside

One of the many joys of living where I do is the knowledge that unless there is cloud and rain the sunset will be glorious. With rains coming just occasionally that means most days. My home is in the countryside in one of the outlying districts of the little town of...

Atmospheric Phenomenon a solar halo

I was recently treated to a sight unlike I had ever seen before. A rare atmospheric phenomenon called a solar halo. My first inlination that something was going on was when I stepped outside to find a huge black disc just hanging in the air above the house. Anyone who...

Mandioca, the Paraguayan staple

Manihot Esculenta as it is known amongst scientists is a central part of every Paraguayan meal. Here it is known as mandioca or manioc and a dish without a side plate filled with it would be incomplete. In English mandioca is know as cassava and it is a New World root...